Chinese Embassy Visa Section

"I would give it fewer stars but ONLY because of the so called "security staff", which I'll get into briefly. I was there on a Friday at 8:40 am. I parked in the garage under the building, which was $10 early bird all day. The line was outside, and at that time, there was only one couple in front of me. Once the visa section officially opened at 9:30, I was out by 9:45. The EMBASSEY staff was polite, professional, and efficient. Additionally, in this review, I wanted to mention Oasis Chinese Visa Service, which was located in the next building over. I traveled from NC to do my paperwork, and instead of coming back to pick up my visa, they shipped it to me for 50 dollars (their fee) and 35 for the two day FedEx shipping) Now, onto the "security company" that is the gatekeepers of the Chinese Embaseey Visa Section. Because I parked in the garage under the building, I took the elevator up and came out directly in front of the door of the visa section. One "security guard" was letting another one in, and I was told, "The line is outside." (There is no official place where the line starts, and I'm sure daily it starts at different locations wherever the first person decides that day). At around 9:15, the head "security guard" came outside and, in thar obnoxious yelling kind of way, announced who he was and told us he decided to let us I'm because of the temperature outside. He hearded us inside and lines us up at the outer edge of the room where they have made a security line. A few minutes before the visa section opened for business a female "security guard" stood in front of us and in the same obnoxious yelling kind of way (By this I mean the way where people say this constantly and they have decided they are "over it" and therefore feel they need to say it like this now.) proceeded to tell the line that we needed "THREE THINGS. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THESE THREE THINGS, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER..." Those three things were the paper with the QR code (do the COVA process on the Embaseey website to get this), your passport, and another form of ID. They also peppered the speech with other obnoxious orders and expectation. The couple in front of me didn't have the QR code because they weren't there for a visa and as they are explaining their situation to the third "security guard" the first "security guard" who had come outside to let us in, *THROWS* his hands up in the air and walks away like his day was completely ruined in a very dramatic fashion". The third "security guard" who they were speaking to denied them entry and directed them to a paper outside to "Read and follow those instructions." While this was going on, I was observing the behavior of the other "Security guards" and the new people who were walking into the office for services. They have zero tolerance for Chinese people and their culture and were constantly not listening, not interested in what they were saying, and didn't care. They spoke to them in LOUD VOICES like any rube who encounters someone who doesn't speak English and thinks speaking louder will make them understand. This all being said, I'm sure that there was a level of conversation that was had between the Embaseey staff and the "Security company" about what was expected by them. I'm sure they want them to streamline the process to a point. However, there is something being said about A. there will be situations (probably several a day) where someone needs to talk to a Chinese national in Chinese about a situation, and the "security guards" can not help because that's simply not their job. B. Their approach is overly obnoxious, and they need to change out their staff for people who understanding of diversity and cultural differences, not to mention the stressful position that many people are facing trying to get the papers in which they need. I imagine that every day, these people who work there as "security guards" laugh on way to their job, and when they collect their paycheck, knowing they shouldn't be filling these positions but some how slipped through the cracks."

"My experience here was very pleasant, nothing above and beyond, just simple and quick. It wasn't very crowded and I got seen rather quickly. If you have all your documents in place and answer the appropriate questions correctly on the form, then it should be a breeze. I would say tho, their site need to be more informative and provide all the necessary information related to each specific visas. I did everything just to make sure I am fully prepared, and so if you have a passport that expired or of another nationality then naturalisation (now a US citizen), be sure to make a copy of your bio page and and the visa in that old passport and bring it. Anyway, it wasn't a bad experience at all. Hope you have the same, good luck."

"My husband and I were at the Chinese Visa Office on 12/8/23 applying for our visas. We were greeted by several very pleasant American Security Officers who briefly looked at our paperwork and checked our temperatures. One of the officers then walked us to the area where we were to sit and wait to be called. We were called in less than a minute. The young lady who assisted us with our applications could not have been more pleasant!! Her English was well spoken. She did notice how neat and accurate our applications were. She asked if anyone helped us. We told her that our son-in-law is a diplomat in Bejing, and he helped us. So did our daughter. Our interview lasted between 15-20 minutes, less than we expected. Our applications were approved and we were delighted! Again, I want to say our experience was very pleasant!!"

"We went there on Dec, 6, 2023. The whole process took us less than 15 minutes. The security guards are super nice and helpful. Our waiting time was less five minutes since there weren’t many people. We made a tiny mistake on the application form but the officer helped us fix it right away. Too bad they don’t provide mailing service anymore so we had to go to the Oasis Visa service next door. They picked up the visa for us and mailed it to our address for a service fee of 50$."

"There is easy parking garage on 2201 Wisconsin Ave NW. The street is very narrow & easy to miss so pay attention. The Chinese staff was good, they did their job. Took about 1 hour wait. Charged $185 for visa 5 days processing. Giving 3 stars because the American security staff can be a little unprofessional so be patient with them. Book and appointment & bring your documents in person. A smile & a good attitude goes a long way!"